Customers were shocked to see the man, who has not been identified, abusing solvents in the venue in Church Street.

A spokesperson for Warwickshire County Council, which is responsible for libraries, was keen to reassure people that they will take action against those who cause anti-social behaviour.

“We received a report from a library customer that an individual was abusing solvents in Nuneaton Library on Wednesday afternoon.

"A member of Nuneaton staff spoke to the individual in question to ask them to stop. This was later reiterated by a senior member of staff. The individual later left the library."

The man was spotted sniffing solvents in the library.

The spokesperson went on to add: "We want to reassure our customers that we operate a zero tolerance policy on anti-social behaviour in our libraries and will take appropriate steps, including informing the police, should this type of behaviour occur."